Medication can be effective but it alone cannot solve all issues. Sometimes medication is needed in conjunction with counseling. Our work together is designed to explore and unpack the problems you are experiencing and expand on your strengths that can help you accomplish your personal goals.

Counseling is beneficial in addition to medication because it addresses the underlying psychological and emotional aspects of mental health issues that medication alone may not resolve. While medication can alleviate symptoms, counseling helps individuals understand their thoughts, behaviors, and triggers, providing tools to manage and overcome challenges. This dual approach fosters long-term recovery and personal growth. Counseling also offers a supportive environment to explore and address root causes of distress, develop coping strategies, and build resilience, leading to a more comprehensive and sustainable improvement in mental health and overall well-being.

The difference is between someone who can do something, and someone who has the training and experience to do that same thing professionally. A mental health professional can help you approach your situation in a new way– teach you new skills, gain different perspectives, listen to you without judgment or expectations, and help you listen to yourself. Furthermore, counseling is completely confidential. You won’t have to worry about others “knowing my business.” Lastly, if your situation provokes a great deal of negative emotion, and you’ve been confiding in a friend or family member, there is the risk that once you are feeling better you could start avoiding that person so you aren’t reminded of this difficult time in your life.

Confidentiality is a cornerstone of therapy, and therapists are legally and ethically bound to keep your information private. However, there are exceptions, such as if there’s a risk of harm to yourself or others, or in cases of abuse.

Because each person has different issues and goals for counseling, it will be different depending on the individual. I tailor my therapeutic approach to your specific needs. The prerequisites are that you need to show up and you are going to get out of therapy what you put it in. It sounds cliche, but it is true that we can only help you achieve your goals and you are the one who needs to put in the actual work. We may certainly make suggestions or assign homework and this is a critical part of your mental health journey. We encourage you to embrace the actions needed to change for you!

Unfortunately, this is not possible to say in a general FAQs page. Everyone’s circumstances are unique to them and the length of time counseling can take is different for each person. The duration of counseling varies depending on the individual’s needs and goals. Some people may find significant relief in a few sessions, while others might benefit from longer-term therapy over several months or years.

As a client, your treatment is ultimately up to you. Generally speaking, meeting once a week or bi-weekly is a good place to start and this can evolve over time. It is important to establish a sense of trust and rapport in the beginning but it is ultimately your call and your decision and this should be communicated in the intake. 

Length of treatment is also up to you. Your therapist might recommend continuing or ending therapy based on your progress and goals. Some people go to therapy for a few months and reach their goals or work out a difficult situation and others may continue in therapy for longer periods of time. 

You might consider counseling if you’re experiencing persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, or anger; struggling with relationships; facing significant life changes; having difficulty functioning in daily life; or wanting to better understand yourself and your emotions.

Therapists should be licensed mental health professionals, such as Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC), Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW), or Clinical Psychologists. Ensure they have a valid license in your state and are trained in the specific type of therapy you need.

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Psychiatrists are medical doctors who can prescribe medication. Psychologists typically have a Ph.D. or Psy.D. and provide therapy and psychological testing but generally cannot prescribe medication. Therapists or counselors often have master’s degrees and provide talk therapy.